SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5362

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 3, 2015

Title: An act relating to the regulation of passenger charter and excursion carriers.

Brief Description: Concerning the regulation of passenger charter and excursion carriers.

Sponsors: Senators King and Liias; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/02/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Under current law, the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates various transportation industries, including passenger charter and excursion carriers. A charter party carrier is a service engaged in the transportation of a group of persons who under a single contract have acquired the use of a motor bus to travel together to a specified destination or for a particular itinerary. An excursion service carrier is a service, which may be regularly scheduled, engaged in the transportation of persons for compensation from points of origin to any other locations within the state of Washington and returning to that origin.

Current law does not specifically state that a service providing transportation of persons by party bus, in which food, beverages, or entertainment may be provided, is legally engaged in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier.

The following are not subject to charter and excursion carrier regulations: (1) persons operating motor vehicles wholly within the limits of incorporated cities; (2) persons operating taxicabs, hotel buses, or school buses; (3) passenger vehicles carrying passengers on a noncommercial basis; or (4) limousine charter party carriers.

Summary of Bill: Transporting persons by party bus over any public highway is specifically considered in law as engaging in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier, subject to UTC regulation.

The following provisions relating to the consumption of alcohol aboard charter and excursion carriers are specified:

A carrier may not knowingly allow any passenger to smoke aboard a carrier's vehicle. Smoke is defined as the carrying or smoking of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking equipment.

The exemption from UTC regulations for persons operating motor vehicles wholly within the limits of incorporated cities is removed.

Engaging in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier is clarified to include certain advertising activities. Engaging in the carrier business without a valid UTC certificate subjects the violator to a penalty of up to $5,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The UTC learned of various incidents of people being seriously hurt or killed while riding party buses. The agency is attempting to regulate these vehicles, but there are gaps in current law. The bill is an attempt to close those gaps. The bill would significantly improve safety for passengers on party buses, specifically regarding alcohol use and smoking. In 2008 Ms. Raymond's sister Shannon was killed on a party bus in British Columbia, Canada. Alcohol was present on the bus, as was underage drinking and illegal drug use. In 2013 another death occurred in B.C. on a party bus. The unregulated nature of the industry is a significant public safety hazard and a risk to minors and the public at large.

CON: The study mentioned just looked at exaggerated news reports. Limousine companies are usually involved in the most serious incidents, not charter buses. Charter bus companies follow current banquet permits and liquor laws. Charter bus companies follow the open container law, which really should be a federal law. The bill doesn't stop the risk of people renting a bus on their own and causing problems. The bill puts too much burden on the bus driver to make sure the alcohol-related laws are complied with.

Persons Testifying: PRO: David Danner, UTC Chair; Daniielle Raymond, Julie Raymond, citizens.

CON: Gladys Gillis, Starline Luxury Coaches; Gary Miller, GLM Charters; Thomas Casazza, General Manager, Starline Luxury Coaches.